5 ways to de-stress this holiday season
The holidays are stressful. Nephew James wants a new hoverboard, Aunt Cecilia is making you a fruitcake, you have six guests coming and only one spare bed, and let’s not forget that your mother-in-law will be checking to see if your picture frames and base boards are dusted.
ENOUGH!
Breathe. Think of open spaces, sunlight, fresh air, and hiding in a treehouse until January 2nd. Ok, we can’t help you with the treehouse, but we CAN recommend a couple great locations to take a stroll. While you’re out, try checking off bird sightings instead of matching guest towel sets.
Here are five places you can relax this holiday season…
Unwind outside the City of Sculpture at Rentschler Forest MetroPark
About four miles northeast of the City of Hamilton's waterfront and historic downtown, the park has over 400 acres of woodland, Great Miami River frontage, remnants of the old Miami-Erie Canal, a prehistoric Indian earthwork, reconstructed wetland, and ample opportunities for some quality you-time.
Explore regional history at Taylorsville MetroPark
The area that is now Taylorsville MetroPark was once one of the busiest crossroads in the country, the meeting place of major transportation arteries — the Old National Road, Great Miami River, the Miami-Erie Canal, and railroads. Today, the area serves as the crossroads of bike trails, hiking trails, and river recreation. The only hustle and bustle you’ll see today is from fellow trail users.
Find historic architecture at Twin Arch Reserve
Twin Arch Reserve is a great place for viewing wildlife. As winter approaches, the rough-legged hawk makes its return (for those of you taking us up on our earlier suggestion). As an added bonus, look out for the renovated, historic Miami-Erie Canal Twin Arches. The arches were originally built in 1837 and are one of only two structures of its type in Ohio.
Marvel at "Big Rock" at Tawawa Park
This park features the William Ross Covered Bridge. Dedicated in 1971, it is picturesque and is a frequent photography subject. The park was named after Tawawa Creek which runs through the grounds, and make sure to check out “Big Rock” (glacial rock left from the ice age) - established in 1876 and of great interest to visitors.
Go for a run at Farrington Reserve
Farrington Reserve has 27 acres of land with 2,500 feet of Great Miami River access. It’s a bit cold to go into the river now, but the park has easy access to the Great Miami River Recreational Trail for biking and hiking when you really need to get far, far away this holiday season.